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Church TD, Burkhardt AM, Phan T, Davies DL. Pharmacy undergraduate programs: Development of an adaptive curriculum for student success. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13437. [PMID: 36814624 PMCID: PMC9939604 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Applicants for graduate work in Pharmacy on paper appear competitive, but upon entering a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program many students struggle with course work, course load, and pharmacologic topics in their first-year studies. In addition to math and science, undergraduate candidates need to have skills that enable them to be adaptable and creative learners. The Pharmacy Undergraduate Program (PUP) at the University of Southern California (USC) has been attentive to these educational needs. In this manuscript we will show how our program has been successful in generating well-prepared and successful candidates for graduate programs (pharmaceutical, clinical, medical, and other) and employment in pharmaceutical fields. Methods A review of current student enrollments (N = 121), graduated student annual survey data (N = 50), student research data (N = 68), and ongoing course surveys have been used to detail information related to PUP. Results Students who have graduated from PUP have been successful post-graduation. Graduates of PUP have gone on to PharmD programs 44% (22/50); medical school 16% (8/50); PhD programs 24% (12/50); full-time employment 6% (3/50); internship/volunteer positions 10% (5/50); taken a gap year 4% (2/50); and MS/MA program 2% (1/50). Conclusions PUP has been successful in helping the admission of our students into graduate degree programs related to pharmaceutical sciences and medicine. This success can be attributed to the dynamic nature of the course offerings and the creativity of the teaching faculty, which leads to students being well-prepared to tackle the rigors of their graduate studies after leaving the program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry David Church
- University of Southern California, Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar Street, CHP-140, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Amanda M. Burkhardt
- University of Southern California, Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USA
| | - Tam Phan
- University of Southern California, Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USA
| | - Daryl L. Davies
- University of Southern California, Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USA
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Myles L, Church TD. An industry survey of implementation strategies for clinical supply chain management of cell and gene therapies. Cytotherapy 2021; 24:344-355. [PMID: 34750073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The novelty of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) has introduced unique supply chain challenges and considerations not seen by chemically synthesized (small-molecule) drugs. These complexities increase during the clinical phases, where drug safety and efficacy milestones are still underdeveloped. For example, for autologous therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, in which the treatment is developed from the patient's own cells, supply chain management plays an integral role in chemistry, manufacturing and control processes. Supply chain management requires proactive planning because of the strict cold chain requirements and time sensitivity of CGTs. This research examines strategies and responses to challenges experienced by industry stakeholders (e.g., sponsors and manufacturers) during the implementation phases of clinical supply chain management. This research further evaluates the adequacy of the current regulatory framework for distribution and supply chain management of CGTs in the US. METHODS A survey methodology was used to query subject matter experts from the biopharmaceutical industry who were familiar with the clinical supply management of CGTs in the US. The survey instrument was developed using an implementation framework and disseminated electronically to mid- and senior-level subject matter experts who had experience with clinical trials, supply chain management and CGTs. RESULTS A total of 128 respondents accessed the survey, and 105 respondents answered at least one question. Seventy-five respondents completed the survey. Results showed that a lack of harmonization in regulations across the supply chain, limited resources, challenges with vendor management, high costs and complexities in the supply chain due to product specificity and customization proved to be impediments for the industry. In addition, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic had a significant impact on supply chain implementation. The results revealed that less than half of the respondents had business continuity plans in place. These challenges increased for smaller and mid-size organizations. Thirty percent of small and mid-size organizations were less prepared to scale up than larger companies. CONCLUSIONS Suggestions from industry stakeholders were to adopt and enforce Good Distribution Practices in the US (81%), pre-plan distribution strategies with internal and external stakeholders along the supply chain and develop agile systems and robust processes end to end. Hurdles in scaling up and scaling out from the clinical to commercial phases for time- and temperature-sensitive CGT products make it difficult to predict the supply chain's long-term feasibility. Although there are initiatives to improve these impediments, such as improving industry partnerships and creating global CGT transportation standards, there are still regulatory knowledge gaps present for CGTs. Therefore, it is essential to establish a baseline and foundation for CGT supply chains extending beyond the loading dock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lequina Myles
- Department of Regulatory and Clinical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Terry David Church
- Department of Regulatory and Clinical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Patterson P, D'Agostino NM, McDonald FEJ, Church TD, Costa DSJ, Rae CS, Siegel SE, Hu J, Bibby H, Stark DP. Screening for distress and needs: Findings from a multinational validation of the Adolescent and Young Adult Psycho-Oncology Screening Tool with newly diagnosed patients. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1849-1858. [PMID: 34160847 PMCID: PMC9291177 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer commonly experience elevated psychological distress and need appropriate detection and management of the psychosocial impact of their illness and treatment. This paper describes the multinational validation of the Distress Thermometer (DT) for AYAs recently diagnosed with cancer and the relationship between distress and patient concerns on the AYA-Needs Assessment (AYA-NA). METHODS AYA patients (N = 288; 15-29 years, Mage = 21.5 years, SDage = 3.8) from Australia (n = 111), Canada (n = 67), the UK (n = 85) and the USA (n = 25) completed the DT, AYA-NA, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and demographic measures within 3 months of diagnosis. Using the HADS as a criterion, receiver operating characteristics analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off score and meet the acceptable level of 0.70 for sensitivity and specificity. Correlations between the DT and HADS scores, prevalence of distress and AYA-NA scores were reported. RESULTS The DT correlated strongly with the HADS-Total, providing construct validity evidence (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). A score of 5 resulted in the best clinical screening cut-off on the DT (sensitivity = 82%, specificity = 75%, Youden Index = 0.57). Forty-two percent of AYAs scored at or above 5. 'Loss of meaning or purpose' was the AYA-NA item most likely to differentiate distressed AYAs. CONCLUSIONS The DT is a valid distress screening instrument for AYAs with cancer. The AYA-POST (DT and AYA-NA) provides clinicians with a critical tool to assess the psychosocial well-being of this group, allowing for the provision of personalised support and care responsive to individuals' specific needs and concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandora Patterson
- Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Norma M D'Agostino
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona E J McDonald
- Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Terry David Church
- Regulatory and Quality Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel S J Costa
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Pain Management Research Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charlene S Rae
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stuart E Siegel
- Kenneth J. Norris, Jr. Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - James Hu
- Kenneth J. Norris, Jr. Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Helen Bibby
- Canteen Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dan P Stark
- Division of Oncology, Leeds Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, The University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Abstract
Academic biobanks face challenges that call for continuity and disaster planning. However, current regulations do not require such planning, so it is unclear if and how biobanks have prepared themselves to deal with future crises. This exploratory study used mixed methods to understand the state of continuity planning in U.S. biobanks. It first reviewed the current state of regulatory and implementation requirements that drive and challenge continuity planning. A survey instrument was then developed and critiqued by a focus group of experienced practitioners in biobanking. The refined survey was disseminated to a targeted group of respondents employed at biobanks across the United States. Most respondents were associated with relatively mature biobanks in operation for more than 6 years and these typically had some form of continuity plan in place. More commonly, continuity planning was reported to be focused on countering natural disasters rather than organization- or personnel-related crises. Respondents identified their most common limitation to be financial resources affecting all phases of implementation. Although many respondents appeared to be aware of some guidance documents and standards for continuity planning, many reported that they did not use or reference them when constructing their biobank continuity plans. Furthermore, nearly 25% of surveyed biobanks did not have a continuity plan and 61% indicated concern in having a mandated continuity plan. Results suggested academic organizations would benefit from a continuity plan template and best practice guidelines for plan development and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry David Church
- Regulatory and Quality Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), USC School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California
| | - Frances J Richmond
- Regulatory and Quality Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), USC School of Pharmacy, Los Angeles, California
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Ruccione K, Plant A, Snow E, Kordic T, Hu J, Church TD, Siegel SE. Testicular cancer awareness in a large urban school system: Evaluation of a pilot program. J Clin Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2018.36.15_suppl.e18667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Ruccione
- Department of Doctoral Programs, School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA
| | | | | | | | - James Hu
- University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
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Raghavendra A, Ji L, Ricker C, Tang S, Church TD, Larsen L, Sheth P, Sposto R, Sener S, Tripathy D. Abstract P4-01-11: Clinical Findings and Outcomes from MRI Staging of Breast Cancer in a Diverse Population. Cancer Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs12-p4-01-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Staging breast MRI can detect occult breast cancers in 1–10% of newly diagnosed patients. The performance of MRI, impact of patient factors, and resulting surgical management in underserved and diverse populations has not been well studied.
Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed in situ or invasive breast cancer (2006–2011) who had a preoperative staging MRI seen at our Centers that cares for an underserved and minority population. IRB approval was obtained to extract demographic and clinicopathological data, imaging studies and surgical treatment. Non-index lesions (NIL) were defined as those in breast or axillary nodes not known to be malignant or presenting with clinical, mammographic or ultrasound findings, in a different quadrant and given an MRI BIRADS score of 4 or 5. Occult cancers (OC) were those lesions found by biopsy or surgery to be invasive or in situ cancer. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between the probability of a NIL or OC and patients characteristics. Statistical computation was performed using STATA.
Results: Among 678 patients, 144 (21%) had a total of 171 NIL identified by MRI; 67 (9.8%) were ipsilateral, 44 (6.5%) contralateral and 24(3.5%)axillary nodes. 57 patients (8.4%) had a total of 62 OCs detected −34 (5%) ipsilateral, 8(1.2%) contralateral, and 9(1.3%) axillary nodes of which 49 (7.2%) were invasive and 8 (1.2%) in situ. 40% of patients with NILs were confirmed as OCs.
Analyses showed that age was marginally significantly associated with the probability of having OC(OR = 1.5 for each 10 years increase, p = 0.080). Patients with no BRCA mutation had significantly higher chance of having NILs tested with MRI (p = 0.003), but the probability of having OC did not significantly differ between those tested. Ipsilateral compared to contralateral NILs had a 4-fold higher chance of being OCs(p < 0.001). For NILs (n = 157), 59 (37.6%) underwent biopsy, 11 (7%) biopsy followed by lumpectomy, 10(6.4%) had lumpectomy, 24 (15.3%) mastectomy, 15 (9.6%) biopsy followed by mastectomy and (15)9.6% node dissection. Amongst OCs (n = 62) 6 (3.8%) underwent biopsy, 6 (3.8%) biopsy followed by lumpectomy, 6 (3.8%) lumpectomy, 20(12.7%) mastectomy, 12 (7.6%) had biopsy followed by mastectomy and 10 (6.4 %) node dissection.
Conclusions: In this diverse population, staging MRI detected NILs and OC in 21% and 8.4% of patients, respectively. Laterality and age seemed to be associated with chance of having OC. Interestingly, none of the OCs detected were among the known 32 mutation carriers. MRI staging appears to identify OC to an equal extent in a largely Hispanic and younger underserved population as reported in the literature for populations of mostly insured patients.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-01-11.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Raghavendra
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - L Ji
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - C Ricker
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - S Tang
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - TD Church
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - L Larsen
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - P Sheth
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - R Sposto
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - S Sener
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - D Tripathy
- University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Healthcare Network, Los Angeles, CA; USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
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Scott WK, Grubber JM, Abou-Donia SM, Church TD, Saunders AM, Roses AD, Pericak-Vance MA, Conneally PM, Small GW, Haines JL. Further evidence linking late-onset Alzheimer disease with chromosome 12. JAMA 1999; 281:513-4. [PMID: 10022104 DOI: 10.1001/jama.281.6.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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